A HILLFOOTS man whose love for hill running was fostered in the Ochils has just published an inspiring book of adventures.

Ross Brannigan, who grew up in Tillicoultry, has last week released Running Adventures Scotland – 25 Inspirational Runs in Scotland's Wild Places.

The 26-year-old former Alva Academy pupil and University of Stirling graduate was approached by Vertebrate Publishing to write the book, having built up knowledge on and a portfolio of hill running.

He hopes the work will help runners of all kinds looking to take a step up in their outdoor adventures, while unlocking the landscape for experienced people who may be visiting Scotland for the first time.

Ross, who bagged his first Munro at the age of just nine, told the Advertiser how the Ochils became his playground when his family moved to the Hillfoots some two decades ago.

His passion for walking, nature, exploring the landscapes, cultures and communities of Scotland has only grown since then.

Ross said: “At some point my love for Scotland, its landscape and its people has collided with my passion for running, which I developed throughout my teenage years, and it came together into this book.

“It is a really great opportunity for me to share all that knowledge and absolute love for the sport and landscape.”

Naturally, the 25 inspirational runs include one from his old stomping grounds, Ross admitting it would have been “remiss of me to miss out the Ochils”.

The route starts at the Mill Glen, running up Ben Ever and down Andrew Gannel Hill back into the glen.

Ross calls it the “Heart of the Ochils Route” due to its shape, but also because it is right in the centre of the hills.

“The Ochils are an uncelebrated set of hills that got this nice mix of having quite a steep uphill section before having really nice rolling tops with expansive views," he added.

“For me it was really important to showcase the wonder that you can find in an uncelebrated corner in Scotland.”

Ross hopes to book will be a springboard for people to realise their own adventures, and he also paid homage to his old club the Ochil Hill Runners.

Throughout the book, he places an emphasis on both the people who frequent the routes or are tied area, such as Katy Baxter of OHR, as well as sustainability and respect for the outdoors.

The author worked hard to ensure he gives the right advice and most routes include a charity suggestion to help the groups and organisations that look after the landscape for future generations.

“These are really stunning and inspirational routes, but they are also places that people love personally,” Ross explained.

The book was released on Thursday, May 5, and is available in most book shops or online from adventurebooks.com.